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Code of Ethics 


LeNTancanenne 


SIOUX CITY, IOWA 


El 


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In order to form a code of professional ethics for 
librarians, all members ef the profession should feel 
convinced that the wer rk of the librarian is co-ordinate 
in rank and dignity with every other human calling 
and branch of public service. In applying a code of 
ethics to library work, it is necessary to distinguish 
hetween what is called professional ethics and the 
imnore general term administration. 

We assume that the groups of workers are made 
up of individuals having a common purpose and com- 
non interests to such an extent that a code of ethics 
will apply to all in the same way. What shal we in- 
clude in this? How can the fundamental elements be 
stated so as to cover all the relationships that should 
exist among the members of the profession? 

We are suggesting three main points, with sub- 
divisions in each case, all of which are quite genera! 
in scope. They are as follows: 


COURTESY 
(a) To Patrons 


1. As the library exists to serve any and every one, 
it is unethical to discriminate in service te any group 
or individual at the expense of ancther. As eur work 
is one of humanity we niust be rcady and watching 
to attend to pressing cases in and out of seasen. 


(b) Te Co-Workers 

1. In her associations with her fellow workers the 
librarian should be genereus, courteous, and chari- 
table. Sie snould use her inflnence to stimulate the 
professional attitude and be willing to share the frniis 
of her own re-search with other members of the staf. 

2. It is the ethical duty of department heads to 
refrain from gossip and interference with other de- 
ae administration, each devoting her entire 
time and attention te the development and growth of 


her own. She should be generous and magnanimous 


toward the others, bearing in mind that the strength 
and efiiciency of the unit depends on the co-operation 
of the individuals and cepartments. 

3. It is ethical for members of the staff affected 
by changes in policies and rules, to have the pr.vilege 
of discussion and criticism with the administrative 
head before adoption. 


LOYALTY 


(a) To the Profession 
1. It is the ethical duty of all to maintain intel- 
lectual and moral standards within the profession, to 
have enthusiasm for it, betteve in it, and never speak 
disparagingly of it in or cut of the system. 


(b) To Admiinistrative Head and the Library 
As a Unit 
1. It is the duty of each member of the staff to 
strive to maintain professional dignity, good name, in- 
fluence and honor of all within the system. 
(1) By poise of manner, 
(2) By restraint in dress. 
(8) By refraining from gossip concerning per- 
sons and policies at all times. 
(4) By due formality toward co-workers during 
business heurs. 
(5) By never depreciz ting the work of another. 
(6) By maintaining the authority and cigBiy of 
suboedinatse before patrons. 


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2. It is the duty of each member of the staff to 
maintain a constructive and co-operative attitude to- 
ward ali endeavor in the system of which she is a part, 
to uphold the policies of the administration and aid in 
carrying them out. Whenever it becomes impossible 
for her to co-operate, it is ethical for her to with- 
draw from the system. 


3. Between assistants, department heads and ad- 
ministrative head there should be that confidence 
which can arise only from mutual understanding and 
pride in each other’s work. No library task is be- 
neath the dignity of any member of the staf and ail 
should be willing to share in any possible discomfort. 
Each should regard the other’s success as a part of 
her own, be ready to advance the professional inter- 
ests of the other and to assist in securing professional 
recognition and promotion, 


4. It is ethical for the administrative head to eliow 
an assistant to prove her ability to do work of a higher 
character than usually assigned to her and to advance 
those capabie to more responsible positions in their 
own library or elsewhere. 


(c) To the City 


1. It is unethical for staff members to belittle in 
any way the municipality to which she owes her 
position. 


HONESTY 


(a) In Regard to One’s Own Ideals 


1. The true librarian will maintain an open mind 
toward all forms of progress; she will seek constantly 
to have a part in carrying forward all projects with a 
view to the improvement of the system; she will be 
a reguiar reader of professional literature and an ac- 
tive member in state and national associations of 
librarians. 


2. It is the duty of each staff member to feel re- 
sponsibility and interest in work assigned by doing it 
regularly and cheerfully. 

(>) In Regard to the Welfare cf Co-Workers 


J. Staff members should refrain at all times from 


availing themselves of prejudice against-other staff 


members to their detriment: or to obtain official 
preferment. 


2. It is unethical and unprofessional for a superior 
to make use of a subordinate to obtain information in 
regard to the behavior or work of another, 


3. Since the librarian’s standing in her profession 
depends upon her rating, it is essential for department 
heads to exercise honesty and sincerity in their rec- 
ommendations without regard to friendships or other 
relations. 


(c) In Regard to the Library System As a Unit 


1. It is ethical for staff members when considering 
change in position to give adequate notice to the ad- 
ministrative head and department head. It is un- 
ethical to accept a position unless there is a reasonable 
certainty of remaining one year, or to apply for a 
position not declared vacant by the administrative 
head, 


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(1) Department head. cae Je fe 


(2)> Librarian. 7°. cea 
(3) Board of trustees in open meetitig and 
versely. 


3. It is unethical for staff members to devote time | : 
scheduled for library duty to discussion of outsid 
interests. 


4. Health is a necessary qualification in a ‘Wbrar- 
ian’s equipment and continued ill health does not en- 
title an employee to favored treatment by the library. 
Conversely, the library should conserve the health of 
the staff by furnishing the best possible equipment in — 
regard to light, air, and sanitation. Illness in the 
family is not a valid claim for absence with pay. Hon- 
esty requires due care of the health at all times in 
order that we may always be physically fit for duty. ae 

5. It is the ethical duty for each staff member to 
preserve library equipment: pee 


PCL) By returning materials used to their proper | 
places and in proper condition. pe 


(2) By neatness and cleanliness in their use. 
(3) By reporting shortages and necessary repairs. 


Professional Ethics Among Librarians 


Should Stand for: 
1. <A spirit of democracy. 


2. Freedom of thought and expression, permit- 
ting the fullest initiative within the limits. of the large 
policies of the library. 


3. <A broad social viewpoint. 


—Approved by the Library Board of Trustees Kk 
of Sioux City, Iowa, January 11, 1923. 


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